The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1045 - 237: Repaying the Life-Saving Debt_2

Chapter 1045: Chapter 237: Repaying the Life-Saving Debt_2

"General, you should be able to tell from my name that from the moment of my birth, my fate was sealed with no possibility of ascending the throne," Xiao Guangzhao said, his eyes icy cold.

Pei Qin’s gaze flickered briefly. Crown Prince Xiao Guangmin, Prince Yong’an Xiao Guangjun, Prince Heqing Xiao Guangbi, and previously, the prince who had died young, all had names starting with ’Prince,’ but only Prince Yongle Xiao Guangzhao’s name... was unique.

Seeing that she didn’t seem curious, Xiao Guangzhao slightly narrowed his eyes, "Don’t you want to know why?"

"I’m afraid I’ll touch upon a sore spot for Your Highness." She had absolutely no interest in knowing why! The sordid secrets of the royal family could fill countless novels. She had neither the interest to delve into them nor the desire to know his affairs.

Xiao Guangzhao gave a bitter smile, "It’s because at my birth I was labeled as a calamitous star meant to ruin the nation. Had it not been for my maternal grandfather’s significant power and high merit at the time, I’m afraid I would have met an early death. To save my life, my mother and maternal family promised the Emperor and the Empress Dowager that I would never take the throne. However, seven years later, my maternal family gradually vanished due to slanderous accusations, and my mother has since only devoted herself to prayer, never again seeking an audience with my father."

Not tragic enough for her, she felt nothing after hearing it, "So, are you planning to seize power and ascend the throne?"

"Exactly. My father’s days are numbered, and I ask for your assistance, General, to complete this great endeavor," Xiao Guangzhao stated, looking her straight in the eyes.

Pei Qin averted her gaze, "I, a mere woman, understand neither the ways of the government nor the palace intrigues. Your Highness, pinning your hopes on me, I fear, is inappropriate."

"General, you hold a significant duty in your hands, and your military prowess makes many capable ministers and generals feel inferior. Seizing the palace is but a trivial matter. I believe you will certainly be able to assist me. When the time comes, I will sweep away all of your concerns and grant you everlasting glory and favor!" Xiao Guangzhao promised.

Pei Qin pursed her lips, saying nothing.

Xiao Guangzhao waved his hand.

An elderly servant in gray presented a bundle of items to Pei Qin.

"These are the items that Mo Heng left behind when he took medicine from me. Now, they are all returned to you," Xiao Guangzhao indicated for her to take a look.

As soon as Pei Qin opened it, her heart sank, and she couldn’t help but tremble slightly. The handwriting was Mo Heng’s, all providing evidence of his treason. All for that Seven-pulse Lotus... She looked up, her eyes glinting fiercely, "Your Highness is giving this to me?"

"Of course. I have only found out that Xiao Yi has studied under you at your residence, and Xiao Guangbi intends to engage in marriage. And Mo Heng seems to be loyal to him," Xiao Guangzhao said, smiling faintly.

It wasn’t just seeming loyalty to Xiao Guangbi; over the years, Mo Heng had done a fair share of Xiao Guangbi’s dirty work. The Crown Prince’s arm was removed on his advice. And the evidence for the Crown Prince’s involvement in the embezzlement from the royal treasury was also provided to Xiao Guangbi by him. He had advised the Emperor to send the Crown Prince on a southern hunting trip, orchestrating the deposition of the Crown Prince. Next, he was to support Xiao Guangbi’s rise to the throne.

Pei Qin took a deep breath, "When does Your Highness plan to act?"

Seeing her response, a smile played upon Xiao Guangzhao’s lips, "I shall inform you, General."

Upon leaving the small courtyard, Pei Qin was still trying to settle her emotions. If the evidence left by Mo Heng were exposed, it would be enough to doom his entire family several times over. Xiao Guangzhao gave this to her to sway her, yet he did not mention Jiujiu, Xixi, or Shen Songming.

Looking back at the faintly towering Imperial City, Pei Qin’s eyes hardened, a murderous intent surging in her heart.

Lu Hai and Liu Feng watched her silently, concern in their eyes.

"General! Shall we enter the palace?" Lu Hai asked her aloud, ready to plan their next move.

Pei Qin withdrew her gaze after a long while, "To the Manufacturing Bureau!" She spurred her horse into a rapid gallop.

Lu Hai and Liu Feng exchanged a glance, then quickly followed suit.

The entrance to the Manufacturing Bureau was now guarded by heavily armed soldiers, and not far away were groups of young girls loitering about, some carrying baskets, others with purses. As they saw Pei Qin approaching on horseback, they immediately surged forward.

Seeing these flower-like beauties, Pei Qin’s mood instantly brightened, and she whistled cheerily.

The crowd of girls waiting for someone instantly blushed en masse, "General Pei! General Pei!"

Pei Qin smiled, dismounting from her horse and handing the reins to a guard who came to take the horse, and strode into the Manufacturing Bureau.

"General!" Upon her arrival, everyone greeted her with a bow.

Pei Qin acknowledged them and instructed everyone to carry on with their work as she proceeded to the Smelting Room to check on the new smelting furnace.

"General! This smelting furnace is even more refined than the previous ones and should not suffer from cracks or explosions," a Ministry of Labour ironworker greeted her.

Pei Qin nodded, "Then let’s try forging a batch of new weapons!"

Hearing her mention new weapons, everyone around became excited, "General! Are you referring to the hidden weapons of that divine artifact?"